Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS: In-Depth Review

For coffee lovers seeking a compact, stylish, and efficient espresso machine without compromising quality, the Breville Bambino BES450BSS offers an attractive solution. With its brushed stainless steel finish and promise of third wave specialty coffee, this machine is designed to bring barista-level coffee into the home. In this review, we will explore the Bambino’s features, performance, customer feedback, and provide a final verdict on whether it’s worth your investment.

Key Features and Specifications

At first glance, the Breville Bambino stands out for its minimalist design and small footprint. However, its real strength lies in the technology packed inside.

Specifications Overview

Feature	Detail
Brand	Breville
Model	BES450BSS
Color	Brushed Stainless Steel
Product Dimensions	13.7″ D x 6.3″ W x 12″ H
Weight	10.9 lbs
Capacity	47 Fluid Ounces
Wattage	1560 watts
Voltage	110–120 Volts
Coffee Maker Type	Espresso Machine
Special Feature	Manual, ThermoJet, Auto Steam Wand
Material	Stainless Steel
Warranty	1 Year Limited

Key Features

• ThermoJet Heating System: Reaches optimal temperature in just 3 seconds.
• Digital Temperature Control (PID): Ensures precise water temperature for consistent espresso extraction.
• Low Pressure Pre-Infusion: Delivers even flavor extraction.
• Automatic Steam Wand: Adjustable temperature and texture, suitable for latte art.
• 54mm Portafilter: Holds 19 grams of ground coffee for full-bodied espresso.
• Compact Design: Perfect for small kitchens or apartments.

Performance

The Bambino doesn’t just look good on the counter—it performs impressively in most aspects that matter to home baristas.

Heat-Up Time and Efficiency

Perhaps the most praised feature is its ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in 3 seconds. This is a game-changer, especially for those who want a quick morning coffee without the long wait typical of other machines. Steam is ready in about 10 seconds, ensuring seamless operation between brewing and milk frothing.

Espresso Quality

The 54mm portafilter accommodates 19 grams of coffee, matching commercial standards. This yields a full-bodied, well-balanced shot when using fresh, finely ground beans. Thanks to the PID temperature control, espresso is consistently extracted at the optimal temperature. The pre-infusion system further helps by soaking the coffee puck gently before full pressure is applied, which enhances flavor complexity.

Milk Texturing

For milk-based beverages, the automatic steam wand works remarkably well. It allows the user to customize temperature and texture, producing silky, barista-style microfoam suitable for latte art. The texture isn’t quite at the level of a professional manual steam wand, but for most home users, it’s impressive—especially for an automatic system.

Ease of Use

The Bambino is user-friendly with its simple control panel: single or double shot, steam button, and steam control for texture and temperature. There’s no digital display, which may disappoint tech-savvy users, but the minimalist interface keeps things simple and intuitive.

Build Quality and Maintenance

The brushed stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek look and a solid feel. Internally, components are durable, though some users have raised concerns about water tank fragility. Cleaning is relatively simple, and the drip tray and water tank are easy to remove and rinse.

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews reveal consistent satisfaction with some mixed opinions depending on expectations and price sensitivity.

Positive Feedback

Aspect	Customer Sentiment
Coffee Quality	“Tastes like what I get from my favorite café.”
Heat-Up Time	“It’s ready to brew or steam in a matter of seconds.”
Size	“Compact enough for my small apartment kitchen.”
Ease of Use	“Even my teenager can use it without help.”
Milk Frothing	“Produces beautiful microfoam for cappuccinos.”

Most customers appreciate that the Bambino allows them to replicate coffee-shop quality drinks at home. They also emphasize the speed and simplicity, often stating it outperforms bulkier or more expensive machines in ease of use.

Constructive Criticism

Complaint	Description
Water Tank Durability	“Mine cracked within a few months of use.”
Value Concerns	“Great machine, but a bit pricey for what you get.”
Manual Limitations	“No programmable settings or screen.”
Small Cup Clearance	“Can’t fit my favorite travel mug underneath.”

While the performance is mostly praised, issues with plastic components (particularly the water tank) are not uncommon. Some users suggest that at this price point, more durable materials and programmable options should be included.

Pros and Cons

Summarizing the strengths and weaknesses helps provide a quick overview for decision-making.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Ultra-Fast Heating	ThermoJet system heats water in just 3 seconds.
Compact Design	Fits small spaces; ideal for apartments or minimalist kitchens.
Excellent Espresso Quality	19g portafilter, PID, and pre-infusion yield rich results.
Automatic Steam Wand	Hands-free microfoam for beginners and latte lovers.
User-Friendly Controls	Simple interface, no complicated programming.
Quality Look and Feel	Brushed stainless steel gives a premium appearance.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Water Tank Durability	Some units report cracks or leakage over time.
Lack of Programmability	No shot timer or advanced customization features.
Small Clearance	Larger mugs won’t fit under the portafilter.

Final Verdict

The Breville Bambino BES450BSS delivers where it counts: fast, quality espresso with minimal fuss and footprint. It’s designed for those who care about their coffee but don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of complex espresso machines.

Its thermojet heating system, automatic milk frothing, and PID temperature control provide a solid foundation for making delicious espresso and milk-based drinks at home. For beginners or intermediates, it provides just enough control to produce barista-level beverages while remaining accessible and intuitive.

Who Should Buy It?

• Apartment dwellers or those with limited counter space.
• Coffee lovers looking for convenience without sacrificing quality.
• Beginner to intermediate baristas who want a dependable, quick machine.
• People who drink milk-based espresso drinks regularly.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

• Those needing programmable features or shot customization.
• Users wanting an integrated grinder in one unit.

Enjoyed this review of Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS? Then be sure to check out our other espresso machine guides and reviews.

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